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Charlotte, NC – Trackhouse Racing has officially announced the car numbers for its 2026 NASCAR Cup Series driver lineup, releasing a poignant video that revealed the significance behind each selection. The team will retire its long-standing No. 99, a number previously piloted by Daniel Suarez for five seasons before his departure at the conclusion of the current year.
Ross Chastain, a dominant force in recent Cup Series history, will continue his tenure with the familiar No. 1. Chastain has driven this number to all six of his career Cup Series victories, including a notable triumph in the 2025 Coca-Cola 600. The consistency of the No. 1 under Chastain’s command has cemented its status as a prominent contender on the track.
Rookie sensation Connor Zilisch is set to take the reins of the No. 88. This number was famously driven by Shane van Gisbergen in the 2024 season, where the New Zealander secured five Cup Series wins. The No. 88 carries historical weight within NASCAR, and it also holds personal significance for Zilisch, who piloted it to ten victories in the Xfinity Series prior to a hard-fought, albeit unsuccessful, bid for the Xfinity Series championship.
The team’s announcement was delivered through a unique approach: each driver received a personalized letter informing them of their assigned number. For Ross Chastain, the letter originated from Trackhouse Racing founder Justin Marks. Connor Zilisch’s correspondence came from NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr., acknowledging Zilisch’s burgeoning career.
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However, it was Shane van Gisbergen’s announcement that resonated with particular emotion. His letter was penned by his father, Robert van Gisbergen, detailing the profound personal and familial history tied to the number he would be driving in 2026: the No. 97.
Upon reading his father’s letter, a visibly emotional Shane van Gisbergen was overcome with sentiment. The weight of the announcement was amplified as his father spoke of the deep-rooted importance of the No. 97 to their family. Both Robert and Shane van Gisbergen have raced with the No. 97 throughout their respective careers, and it was the number under which Shane achieved all three of his Supercars championships. Furthermore, he utilized the No. 97 during his successful 2024 Xfinity Series campaign.
"That means so much to our family," Robert van Gisbergen stated in the video, his voice laced with pride and emotion. "Right from the beginning, both of us ran #97 in motocross, we both ran it in speedway. Mom would have been absolutely proud."
Wiping away tears, Shane van Gisbergen elaborated on the profound impact of his father’s words, particularly those referencing his mother, who passed away in early 2024. The emotional resonance of the moment, he conveyed, transcended any simple verbal description, highlighting the deep familial connection to the chosen number. The full video capturing this heartfelt moment is available for viewing.
The No. 97 marks the fifth distinct car number Shane van Gisbergen has competed with in his relatively brief but impactful NASCAR Cup Series career. His debut in the Cup Series was marked by an astonishing victory in the No. 91. He has since driven the No. 13 and No. 16 for Kaulig Racing in the Cup Series, and the No. 88 for Trackhouse Racing this past season, showcasing his adaptability across different machinery and teams.
Trackhouse Racing also confirmed its crew chief lineup for the upcoming season. Brandon McSwain will continue his partnership with Ross Chastain, while Randall Burnett will be paired with rookie Connor Zilisch. Notably, Stephen Doran will remain as Shane van Gisbergen’s crew chief for the 2026 season, providing continuity and a proven working relationship.
The No. 97 itself carries a rich legacy within the NASCAR landscape. Since 2013, the number has seen limited use, appearing on track just three times in 2018. However, prior to that period, the No. 97 was a regular fixture, participating in nearly 700 races and achieving 17 victories. Its most prominent success came when Kurt Busch piloted the No. 97 to the 2004 NASCAR Cup Series championship, a testament to the number’s winning pedigree. Beyond Busch, legendary figures like Parnelli Jones and Bill Amick also recorded victories with the No. 97, adding to its storied history.
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